Schnitzer Tweaks Range Rover Sport

20 Jan 2015

German tuning house AC Schnitzer doesn’t dedicate its abilities solely to the effort of fettling the fine machines from BMW. And as this madcap Range Rover proves, the results are pretty good when they work their magic on other brands.

The company used the 3.0 SD V6 Diesel model as the basis for its work. Naturally, they started by upping the power. It’s gained a boost from 215kW and 600Nm to a meaty 250kW and 720Nm.

Rather interestingly, its consumption figures are purported to remain the same despite the gain. AC Schnitzer also throws in a three-year/100,000-kilometre warranty for peace of mind. A new stainless steel exhaust helps the diesel Rangie breathe better, in addition to providing a more enthralling soundtrack. Oh, you can also take your pick between two or four tailpipes.

AC Schnitzer offers a lowering kit too, taking things down by as much as 35 millimetres. Apparently this doesn’t mess with the air suspension system standard in the Range Rover Sport. It rolls on forged racing alloys, with either 22- or 23-inch diameters. According to AC Schnitzer, the light alloys have reduced weight by as much as 20 kg.

“20 kg unsprung mass less on the car is a huge amount, it feels like 100 kg – the car handles so much better immediately,” said Manfred Wollgarten, who is responsible for suspensions at AC Schnitzer.

On the outside, it’s business as usual. They’ve crafted an aggressive-looking kit for the chunky SUV, replete with skirts and a diffuser. Inside, you can have AC Schnitzer branded floor mats and a branded key-holder. This is the first Land Rover ever enhanced by the company – and they say they’ll be working on more in the future.

While it’s available through some Land Rover dealerships abroad, it’s not confirmed whether local owners will be able to have their Rangies decked-out in Schnitzer regalia just yet.